How to Spray Paint a Skateboard

Skateboarding has always been a do-it-yourself type of sport. The legendary Z-Boys in the 1970s, from Venice, California, were the first who skated in empty swimming pools and invented aerial moves, according to the 2001 documentary ''Dogtown and Z-Boys." Capture this kind of pioneering spirit by spray painting your own skateboard. Create your own design and cut out a stencil for your deck or purchase a stencil from an art store. Spray the design and sport your own customized skateboard.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench
  • Sandpaper
  • Primer
  • Spray paint, base color
  • Paper stencil
  • Masking tape
  • Newspaper
  • Spray paint, design color
  • Spray paint, clear coat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the hardware with a screwdriver and a wrench, depending on your skateboard. Take off the wheels and the truck that holds the wheels onto the board. Set them aside in a safe place.

    • 2

      Sand the surface of the area you plan on painting, which is the bottom. The bottom is opposite the side you stand on. Sanding removes old paint and creates a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Use coarse sandpaper first and then switch to a fine-grit sandpaper.

    • 3

      Spray a primer all over the board. Wait for it to dry overnight or according to the manufacturer's directions. This helps set the spray paint.

    • 4

      Spray a base color of your choice. It should be a light base color if you want darker colors over it. If you use a dark base color, try complementing it with metallic colors or light colors for a design. Wait at least two hours for it to dry or until it is no longer sticky to the touch.

    • 5

      Tape a paper stencil onto your board with masking tape. Place newspaper over the other areas of the skateboard to prevent the paint from spraying onto unwanted areas. Spray the stencil with your desired paint color for the design element. You can design your own stencil, purchase one from an art store, or download one from a website, such as Stencil Ease or Spray Paint Stencils.

    • 6

      Remove the newspaper and stencil carefully. Be sure you take it off immediately so it does not dry onto the skateboard. Allow the paint to dry for a few hours. Spray a clear coat over your paint job. Allow it to dry for 24 hours before screwing the hardware back on.